What happens to our hair as we age? Is it dryer and more coarse? Why is this?
Just like our skin, our hair changes as we get older. The degree of change, and the age that it begins, is in large part down to genetics. However, hormonal and metabolic shifts, as well as diet and general health also play a part.
As we age, hair follicles very gradually shrink and produce hairs of a smaller diameter and shorter length with each passing hair growth cycle. Hairs therefore become finer and unable to grow as long as they once could. For some, the hair may eventually get greasy faster at the root area as there is much less surface of area for sebum the scalp produces to cover. However, after around 60 years of age sebum secretion tends to decrease- and this can make the hair more dry and brittle.
It is worth noting that it takes many years for age-related hair changes to become noticeable. We need to lose at least 15% of the volume of our hair for it to make a difference to its overall look and feel.
What causes hair to thin or fall out as we age? Is this also due to hormone changes?
Ageing does not affect everyone’s hair in the same way. Just as you may get your first wrinkle at 25 and your friend at 35, the changes that occur to strands are similarly individual. You have to look at the whole picture; is someone eating well? What is the state of their health? Do they have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies? And very importantly, do they have a genetic predisposition to hair thinning?
Hormonal changes can sometimes cause excessive daily hair shedding alongside a gradual reduction in diameter. However, they can also cause the hair to gradually get finer without causing increased hair fall. The extent of this, and whether the two occur in tandem, is very reliant on how sensitive a person’s hair follicles are to body chemistry and metabolic factors.
Should we treat ageing hair in a more gentle way? Should we use different products?
Sebaceous glands on the scalp produce less sebum (oil) as we get older, so the hair can become quite dry. It is therefore a good idea to use products that return moisture to the hair shaft, such as weekly pre-shampoo conditioning masks and daily conditioning protein sprays. Hair also becomes finer with age, so use of daily products that add immediate volume to the hair, as well as encourage new growth, can be extremely helpful.
What’s the best way to care for grey hair?
Because grey/white hair lacks melanin, which protects our skin from the sun, its absence in the hair shaft could make it more vulnerable to sun damage. To protect grey hair from daily environmental degradation, use a product that guards against UV rays. We make one called Daily Damage Defence Extreme Conditioning Spray, £22 that also adds shine and aids in detangling. And if you’re sitting in the sun for a prolonged period of time, use a sun protective Citrus Swimcap Cream, £13 for extra protection.
Grey hair is usually dryer and lacks shine. Use a weekly pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to hydrate the hair and smooth the cuticle like the Geranium & Neroli Elasticizer, £32. Grey hair easily becomes brassy and dull. To counteract yellow tones, use a violet coloured shampoo like the PK Pure Silver Shampoo, £18. Dirt shows up faster on grey hair than any other hair colour so make sure you shampoo and condition at least every other day to keep your strands glossy.
Grey hair is often finer in diameter. To give your hair the immediate appearance of more body, style using the Tricho Volumizing Protein Spray, £35, throughout your mid-lengths and ends and a volumizing spray throughout your roots. To help prevent further reduction in volume, apply stimulating anti-androgenic Tricho 7 Scalp Drops, £50, to your scalp every morning. These will help to maximize the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle – something that usually reduces with age.
These two products can also be used in conjunction with the Tricho Complex Vitamin & Mineral Supplement, £45, to form a 3-step volumising hair and scalp regime for fine and/or thinning hair. The whole Trichotherapy Regime, £120, can be purchased together to save money.
The multi-award winning TRICHOTHERAPY® Regime has been created to help maintain optimum hair and scalp health from the inside out, and help to reduce hair fall. Used in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the 3-step holistic regime creates thicker, fuller hair and encourages healthy hair growth.
Trichotherapy is ideal for people with fine and/or thinning hair and those who are experiencing reduced volume and hair shedding for a multitude of reasons.
The regime consists of 3 innovative products working collectively to provide long term benefits to the hair and scalp, encourage new growth and deliver visible root lift, instant conditioning, shine and overall fullness to the hair.
Do you suffer from fine or thinning hair? Tell us about it below…
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